He remarked: “Public resentment against this conflict has reached the streets of European cities, with the risk of more riots and protests,” adding: “We demand an extraordinary meeting of the European Council to be held as soon as possible to discuss the EU strategy vis-à-vis the Gaza conflict.

“The European Union should take concrete measures in order to stop the war going on in this region, including the adoption of an arms embargo,” added Pittella.

Gianni Pittella concluded by calling for a UN resolution to establish a humanitarian corridor along the Gaza Strip.

“The European Union should play a proactive role in the peace process and work immediately for a United Nations resolution to establish a humanitarian corridor along the Gaza Strip in order to get aid to civilians.”

‘It is time to act before it is too late. Business as usual is no longer acceptable.”

How Europe funds the occupation of Palestine

Has the European Union finally confessed that it is footing the bill for the occupation of Palestine?

In a roundabout way, one of its envoys may have done just that. Lars Faaborg-Andersen, the EU’s ambassador in Tel Aviv, recently warned about the consequences of the Union deciding to cut its assistance to the Palestinian Authority should the current “peace” talks prove fruitless.

“I think it is realized in Israel that this money is key to the stability of the West Bank and in Gaza,” the Dane said. “If we don’t provide the money, I think there is a great likelihood that Israel would have to provide far more.”

Faaborg-Andersen’s choice of words are instructive. He appears to believe that the EU is doing Israel a favor by providing “stability” in the territories occupied in 1967.

As far as I can see, he did not elaborate on his comments. Had he done so, he could have explained that international law obliges an occupying power to meet the basic needs of a people under occupation. By stumping up around €460 million ($622 million) to Palestine each year, the EU is relieving Israel of its legal responsibilities.

Spin

The spin constantly being put on this aid is that it improves the living conditions of the Palestinians. The statements and “fact sheets” cranked out by Brussels bureaucrats don’t explain that some of it directly finances the infrastructure of occupation.

In 2012, for example, the Union boasted about how it was giving €13 million ($17.5 million) to upgrade equipment such as X-ray machines and computer technology used at Karem Abu Salem, the crossing for goods between Gaza and present-day Israel.

There was a major omission in the announcement of this “generous” gift. Karem Abu Salem — known in Hebrew as Kerem Shalom — is controlled by Israel, which has placed severe restrictions on the flow of goods into the Strip. By lending Israel a hand, the EU was accommodating the illegal siege of Gaza. It wasn’t the first time that the Union had facilitated such illegality.

Don’t trick us

If you understand French, I’d urge you to read Palestine, la trahison européenne (Palestine, the European betrayal). Written by Véronique De Keyser, a member of the European Parliament, and the late human rights champion Stéphane Hessel, this book documents how aid ostensibly earmarked for the Palestinians actually benefits Israel. After Hamas won a democratic election in 2006, the EU refused to channel aid through an administration headed by that party. In March 2006, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, then the Union’s external affairs commissioner, decided that €40 million ($54 million) would be paid directly to Israel so that Israeli firms could deliver fuel to Gaza.

I have never argued that the EU should cease giving money to Palestine. Doing so would deprive too many people of education, healthcare and energy. Instead, what I have demanded is honesty and accountability.

The taxpayers of Europe should not be tricked into thinking that our money is always being spent in a benign fashion. We should be told straight out that it is aiding an occupation. If Israel refuses to accept its legal responsibilities, then it behoves the EU to send its aid bills to Israel and insist on reimbursement. And when Israel destroys EU-financed projects — as it has done on numerous occasions — the Union must take Israel to court. To their shame, the Union’s representatives have always been too cowardly to sue Israel.

Sinister

Fresh data contained in an official EU report on the arms trade reveals something even more sinister. It indicates that the value of export licenses for weapons issued by the Union’s governments jumped by 290 percent between 2011 and 2012: from €157 million ($212 million) to €630 million ($851.5 million).

These statistics probably don’t give a full picture of the cooperation involved. Britain (a long-standing EU member) released figures last year indicating that the sale of military items to Israel can be measured in billions, rather than millions. Still, they indicate that the Union is blithely ignoring its own law on the weapons trade. It forbids arms exports if they are likely to be used for repression or to exacerbate regional tensions.

There is, of course, a pattern forming here. Israel is treated as if it is above the law.

European lawmakers tell EU to stand up to lobby pressure, implement ban on settlement funding

A group of 51 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have written to EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in the latest of a series of calls on the EU not to water down new guidelines that prevent the EU from recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The EU now faces a major test of its willpower as Israel, the US and a host of Israel lobby organizations pressure it to water down its guidelines. Israel says it will not take part in the major new research funding program Horizon 2020 unless the guidelines are relaxed.

In their letter, the MEPs from across the political spectrum explain that they “feel strongly that Israeli settlements should not benefit from European taxpayers’ money.”

Last week, more than 500 European academics wrote to Ashton to explain that as participants in EU research programs they opposed the current situation, which the guidelines are supposed to prevent, whereby the EU is “encouraging and funding collaboration between European universities and Israeli companies such as Ahava that operate in illegal Israeli settlements.”

Israel steps up pressure

As negotiations on Israel’s participation in the 70 billion euro Horizon 2020 research funding program continue, Israel and its supporters have been pulling out all of the stops to pressure the EU not to apply the new guidelines.

On Tuesday, the European Parliament committee on relations with Israel hosted a special meeting with David Waltzer, Israel’s ambassador to the EU. A friend who was at the meeting told me that Waltzer was visibly angry and almost shouting into his microphone as he denounced the EU for “boycotting Israel.”

Comments from senior EU officials following the first round of negotiations on Israel’s participation in Horizon 2020 suggest that they are so far standing firm and insisting the new guidelines will be enforced. But fears remain that the more ardently pro-Israel EU governments such as those of Italy, Germany or the Czech Republic could try to derail the new guidelines altogether.

Worryingly, Ashton has also hinted at a possible compromise when she said she hoped a way could be found for the guidelines to be implemented “sensitively.”

Grassroots campaigns by students, academics and solidarity groups played a key role in pressuring the EU to announce its guidelines, and further public pressure will be required for it to implement them fully.

Deep ongoing complicity

While the new guidelines are an important milestone in terms of EU policy towards Israel, the EU will remain deeply complicit with Israeli apartheid even if and when they are fully implemented.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement grants Israel preferential trade arrangements and participation in a huge array of EU programs. The fact that this agreement remains in place no matter how Israel escalates its violations of Palestinians’ human rights acts as a green light for further Israeli impunity.

Assuming that Israel does eventually participate in the Horizon 2020 program, the new guidelines will do nothing to prevent EU grants being awarded to Israeli military companies.

In the period 2010-2012, Israeli military companies Elbit Systems and Israeli Aerospace Industries received EU grants worth at least 3.39 million euros, according to data available on the EU’s Financial Transparency System. Many of these grants were for research into aircraft and sensor technology that the companies will inevitably use to provide Israel with an even deadlier arsenal.

Nor will the new guidelines prevent funding being awarded to Israeli universities, despite their involvement in military research and weapons development projects that put them at the heart of planning and implementing Israeli war crimes.

According to one report in the newspaper Haaretz, Israel expects to receive 300 million euros more in Horizon 2020 funding than it will contribute to the scheme. This figure is unlikely to be greatly diminished by the new guidelines. So while the EU may be imposing harsh austerity measures on the peoples of Ireland, Greece and Portugal, it seems that times are never too tough to hand over a nice chunk of cash to Israel.

Like this:

A coalition of 22 European NGOs along with Richard Falk, the UN special rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories have in the last week released significant reports on financial links with illegal Israeli settlements.

Running into 35 pages, the report from European NGOs, titled Trading Away Peace, is the most wide-ranging report yet into the various forms of economic support for illegal Israeli settlements provided by European states and corporations.

Opening with an overview of the reality for Palestinians in the West Bank, the report highlights the inconsistency between the EU’s stated opposition to settlements and its failure to take action to halt economic activity that encourages their continued existence and expansion.

The report uses Israeli government estimates of the volume of settlement trade to estimate that the EU imports fifteen times more from the illegal settlements than from the Palestinians living in the occupied territories.

Complicit companies

Profiling Israeli companies exporting consumer goods from settlements such as Ahava, SodaStream and Mehadrin, the report recommends that European governments “ensure correct consumer labeling of all settlement products as a minimum measure” and “as a more comprehensive option, ban imports of settlement products, as called for by Ireland.”

The report also calls for action to prevent European corporations like Veolia and G4S from providing infrastructure to illegal Israeli settlements, the inclusion of illegal Israeli settlements in EU agreements and the purchase of property in settlements by European citizens. In all, its 12 recommendations cover many of the main forms of financial support for illegal Israeli settlements.

What’s especially significant and heartening about the report is how widely it has been endorsed. The 22 signatories from 11 European countries include the APRODEV network of Christian development organizations, the International Federation for Human rights (FIdH) and national churches in Sweden and the UK.

Call for boycott

In a report presented to the UN General Assembly on 25 October, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Richard Falk, went even further, calling for a “boycott [of] businesses that profit from Israeli settlements.”

Advocates of the position that governments should tackle companies complicit in settlements and not just produce made in illegal settlements, including the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC), point out that any business with companies exporting from or operating in settlements supports their continued growth and expansion.

“In short, businesses should not breach international humanitarian law provisions. Nor should they be complicit in any breaches. If they do, they may be subject to criminal or civil liability. And this liability can be extended to individual employees of such businesses,” Falk explained when presenting his report (download the report in full here) (extract).

The report examines 13 companies, many of which are already targeted by the BDS movement over their complicity with Israeli violations, including G4S, Mehadrin, Veolia and Caterpillar, and details their infringements of the new UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Falk recommends BDS

The implementation of the guidelines by states and businesses is one of Falk’s main recommendations. The report also states that the special rapporteur is committed to following up with the corporations listed in the report and “may continue to gather information and report on the involvement of corporations in Israel’s settlement activities.”

Making specific mention of the Palestinian-initiated boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, Falk urges civil society to “vigorously pursue initiatives to boycott, divest and sanction” the businesses highlighted in his report and calls on governments to “investigate the business activities of companies registered in their own respective countries… that profit from Israel’s settlements, and take appropriate action to end such practices and ensure appropriate reparation for affected Palestinians.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has faced demands from the Anti-Defamation League to distance himself from the report, while the US, Canada and Israel have all called for Falk’s resignation.

Popular pressure needed

The Irish foreign minister has declared himself supportive of an EU-wide ban on settlement trade and the Norwegian foreign minister has also spoken of the need to take concrete action.

However, in a recent meeting with campaigners, a senior EU official denied reports that the EU was considering a EU-wide settlement trade ban and said that countries like France and the UK instead supported a proposal that the EU should issue new guidance ensuring the correct labeling of settlement products.

Alistair Burt, the UK government minister responsible for Middle East policy echoed that view when he said the following in response to to a question in parliament about this new Trading Away Peace report and whether the UK government would implement a ban on settlement trade:

I have seen the report and I note that one of its main recommendations is to commend the United Kingdom on its policy of voluntary labelling and to encourage other European Union countries to do the same. There is active consideration in the EU about doing just that, and we are taking part in that. So far, however, I have not seen anything that would lead us to change our policy in relation to boycotts…

Official guidance requiring the correct labeling of products from illegal settlements, as implemented by the UK, Danish and South African governments, should be seen as a welcome step towards more restrictive measures. But as Palestinian human rights organization al-Haq has argued, states are legally obliged not to provide recognition or assistance to Israeli settlements, including by ending settlement trade. Labelling alone is not sufficient – turning economic support for the colonization of Palestine into an issue of consumer choice is not an acceptable long-term proposition.

While an EU-wide ban on settlement trade may not be a realistic short term goal, it does seem possible that an individual state or group of states – Ireland, Norway or South Africa, for example – could be successfully pressured to implement such a ban.

There is also potential for more retailers to be pressured into adopting the position of the UK Co-operative supermarket, which this year announced that it would no longer deal with companies operating in illegal settlements.

Years of determined grassroots campaigning and Israel’s continued violations of international law mean that demands to end financial support for settlements are now winning unprecedented levels of support, as these two new reports demonstrate.

The challenge now for all campaigners, including supporters of a full boycott of Israel, is to build campaigns capable of pressuring governments and more retailers to take effective action against companies operating in settlements, or at least products from illegal settlements. Further victories in this area would be hugely damaging not only to Israel’s settlement regime but the entirety of its apartheid system.

paper.li

News of the World produces two newspapers everyday, News of the World https://paper.li/power_rewop/1400764939 and News of the World #Palestine https://paper.li/power_rewop/1400755011 updated every 12 hours.

“In rehearsing this production, we have done our best to render an American staging of these Egyptian plays. Our primary goal has been to not only expose our viewers to the tragic difficulties of a faraway place, but…allow our audience to reflect on the challenges of our own society.”

Despite all the political hoopla surrounding an international pledging conference in Cairo last October to help rebuild Gaza, the reconstruction of the Israeli-devastated territory is apparently moving at the pace of paralytic snail. Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director, Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch (HRW), told IPS the recons […]

Women leaders from every continent, brought together by U.N. Women and the Chilean government, demanded that gender equality be a cross-cutting target in the post-2015 development agenda. Only that way, they say, can the enormous inequality gap that still affects women and children around the world be closed. “We celebrate that there has been progress […] […]

“I have lost all meaning in life after the death of my child, I will never forgive anyone who caused the tearing apart of his little body. I appeal to all who can help and stand with us to achieve justice and punish those who killed my child.” As the tears rolled down her cheeks […]

Nearly half of the four billion people who reside in the Asia-Pacific region are women. They comprise two-thirds of the region’s poor, with millions either confined to their homes or pushed into the informal labour market where they work without any safeguards for paltry daily wages. Millions more become victims of trafficking and are forced into […]

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has criticised member states for ‘cherry-picking’ human rights – advocating some and openly violating others – perhaps to suit their own national or political interests. Despite ratifying the U.N. charter reaffirming their faith in fundamental human rights, there are some me […]

Outgoing Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba was Monday named winner of the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, believed to be the most lucrative individual award in the world. The award, with an initial $5 million prize and an annual $200,000 gift for life, “recognises and celebrates African leaders who have developed their countries, li […]

Women’s participation in decision-making is highly beneficial and their role in designing and applying public policies has a positive impact on people’s lives, women leaders and experts from around the world stressed at a high-level meeting in the capital of Chile. “It is not about men against women, but there is evidence to show through […]

Was the four-year-old military conflict in Syria, which has claimed the lives of over 200,000 people, mostly civilians, triggered at least in part by climate change? A new study by Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory says “a record drought that ravaged Syria in 2006-2010 was likely stoked by ongoing man-made climate change, and that the dr […]

Extensive damage to Gaza’s environment as a result of the Israeli blockade and its devastating military campaign against the coastal territory during last year’s war from July to August, is negatively affecting the health of Gazans, especially their food security. “We were living on bread and tea and my five children were badly malnourished as […]

Women in Bangladesh are carving healthier, wealthier futures for themselves and their children – and they have chicken eggs and pineapples to thank. Since 2009, the non-profit group Helen Keller International has overseen programmes in the eastern Bangladesh region of Chittagong, mentoring women in agriculture to produce food not only for their own families, […]

With Mar. 3 designated as World Wildlife Day, Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, examines the problem of wildlife crime from the angle of asking what the individual citizen can do to help fight to save our living natural heritage.

Haidee Swanby is a researcher with the African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), a non-profit organisation based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The ACB’s work is centred on dismantling structural inequities in food and agriculture systems in Africa and directed towards the attainment of food sovereignty. Mariann Bassey Orovwuje is a lawyer, as well as an enviro […]

Deforestation is haunting the African continent as industrial growth paves over public commons and puts more hectares into private hands. According to the Environmental News Network, a web-based resource, Africa loses forest cover equal to the size of Switzerland every year, or approximately 41 000 square kilometres. The United Nations Environment Programme […]

“We have to wait and see,” “There isn’t a lot of talk about it,” are the responses from tobacco workers in this rural area in western Cuba when asked about the prospect of an opening of the U.S. market to Cuban cigars. “If the company sells more, I think they would pay us better,” said […]

The health-related resignation of an International Criminal Court (ICC) judge has paved the way for Asia-Pacific governments to improve their legal representation in the international legal system, said the group Coalition for the ICC on Thursday. ICC rules on geographical representation offer the Asia-Pacific region the opportunity to put forward candidates […]

Organised criminals in Mexico are forcing the media to stop reporting on crime, by turning their violence against journalists. With the Mexican state offering journalists little protection, the resultant drop in freedom of information has contributed to a heightened sense of insecurity in the country. Claire San Filippo, head of Reporters Without Borders’ Am […]

In Brazil, one of the countries with the highest concentration of land ownership in the world, some 200,000 peasant farmers still have no plot of their own to farm – a problem that the first administration of President Dilma Rousseff did little to resolve. In its assessment of the situation in the 2011-2014 period, the […]

“One time my husband started slapping me hard on the face because I had not cooked the rice to his satisfaction,” Suruchi* told IPS. “He hit me so hard that my infant daughter fell from my arms to the ground.” For 20 years 47-year-old Suruchi, a resident of India’s coastal megacity Mumbai, faced physical and […]

02/03/2015 - The struggles to defend the earth, water, air and commons in Latin America is ever increasing, with stories of mega mining projects halted by communities using their bodies as blockades and damming ...

02/03/2015 - In January 2015 the organisation formerly known as World Development Movement (WDM) officially relaunched under the new name Global Justice Now. This occasion was celebrated with an exciting event featuring ...

01/03/2015 - Why we shouldn’t fund geoengineering experimentation, and what we still need to learn about the climate. The US National Academy of Sciences has released two reports on geoengineering that recommend ...

01/03/2015 - John Brennan, Obama's pick to head CIA, defends drone policy Drones. The word itself has its fans (particularly in the news media) and its detractors (including the UN under-secretary general ...

28/02/2015 - Consider three people. First, Costas Lapavitsas is the recently-elected Syriza MP for Imathia and a lecturer in economics at SOAS. Four years ago, he was at the heart of an intense debate within ...

28/02/2015 - "I'm going to address Congress in Washington, not only as the Prime Minister of Israel but also on behalf of the entire Jewish People," declared Netanyahu, at one of the highlights of the intensifying ...

27/02/2015 - The recent 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz was a reminder of the great crime of fascism, whose Nazi iconography is embedded in our consciousness. Fascism is preserved as history, as flickering ...

27/02/2015 - Israel is heading to the next violent eruption with the Palestinians as though it is some sort of natural disaster that can't be avoided. The next war will break out in the summer. Israel will give ...

27/02/2015 - It was another difficult week for Israel. In Britain, 700 artists, including many household names, pledged a cultural boycott of Israel, and a leader of the Board of Deputies, the representative body ...

27/02/2015 - Finally. After many years of official hypocrisy, a US president appears to be playing hardball with Israel. The other day, the US government declassified a 1987 report documenting Israel’s secret ...

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the United States on Tuesday that it was negotiating a bad deal with Iran that could spark a "nuclear nightmare," drawing a rebuke from President Barack Obama and exposing a deepening U.S.-Israeli rift.

MONTREUX, Switzerland (Reuters) - Iran rejected on Tuesday as "unacceptable" U.S. President Barack Obama's demand that it freeze sensitive nuclear activities for at least 10 years but said it would continue talks on a deal, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported.

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian lawyer for Edward Snowden said on Tuesday the fugitive former U.S. spy agency contractor who leaked details of the government's mass surveillance programs was working with American and German lawyers to return home.

(Reuters) - U.S. retailer Target Corp on Tuesday said it planned to cut several thousand jobs, mainly from headquarters locations, as part of a restructuring that will cut $2 billion in costs over two years.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Thousands of Iraqi soldiers and Shi'ite militiamen sought to seal off Islamic State fighters in Tikrit and nearby towns on Tuesday, the second day of Iraq's biggest offensive yet against a stronghold of the Sunni militants.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives approved full fiscal-year funding for the U.S. domestic security agency on Tuesday, dealing a blow to conservative Republicans who had wanted the bill to include language blocking President Barack Obama's recent executive orders on immigration.

KIEV/DONETSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - Three Ukrainian servicemen were killed and nine wounded as pro-Russian rebels shelled government positions despite a ceasefire deal, the military said on Tuesday, announcing Kiev's highest casualty toll in several days.

BOSTON (Reuters) - An all-white jury that includes a restaurant manager, several retirees and a social worker will hear the trial of accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, which gets underway with opening statements on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats scrambled on Tuesday to contain the fallout from revelations that their favored 2016 presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, may have violated the spirit of federal records laws by using her personal email for work while secretary of state.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh a second major case targeting President Barack Obama's healthcare law on Wednesday when it considers a conservative challenge to tax subsidies critical to the measure's implementation.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and its coalition partners staged 14 air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq since early Monday, according to the Combined Joint Task Force leading the operations.

GENEVA (Reuters) - North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong said on Tuesday that his country had the power to deter an "ever-increasing nuclear threat" by the United States with a pre-emptive strike if necessary.

CAIRO (Reuters) - An Egyptian court on Tuesday deferred a long-awaited parliamentary election due in March indefinitely after another court declared the election law's provision on voting districts as unconstitutional, judicial sources said.

(Reuters) - Best Buy Co Inc , the largest U.S. consumer electronics chain, reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by improved sales of higher-margin products such as large-screen TVs and mobile phones during the holiday shopping season.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China is investigating a second former top military officer on suspicion of corruption, two independent sources told Reuters, as President Xi Jinping widens his campaign against deep-rooted graft in the country.

LONDON (Reuters) - Investor expectations of the euro zone breaking apart have risen to their highest level in two years, a survey showed on Tuesday, even after Greece agreed a financial lifeline with its euro zone partners.

(Reuters) - Ben Carson, a retired surgeon popular with Tea Party conservatives, has formally created an exploratory committee to run for president, according to his campaign chief executive, Terry Giles, the Wall Street Journal reported.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Monday sharply criticized China's plans for new rules on U.S. tech companies, urging Beijing to change the policy if it wants to do business with the United States and saying he had raised it with President Xi Jinping.

Israeli police on Tuesday destroyed thousands of acres of wheat, barley and other cereal crops in the Palestinian http://www.imemc.org/newswire?search_text=bedouin&butto...3E%3E village of Rakhama, locals told Ma'an News Agency.

Will business continue as usual? Despite current tensions with the American president over today's speech to Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his administration are requesting an additional $317 for Israel's missile-defence programmes.

Israeli soldiers kidnapped three children on Tuesday, including a seventh-grade schoolchild, in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, after searching his bag and locating a compass that he uses in his classes.

Israeli soldiers invaded the town of Qabatia, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, on Tuesday at dawn. During the invasion, the soldiers shot and injured a young man, while scores of residents suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation.

Several Israeli soldiers, accompanied by a number of Israeli extremists, living in a nearby illegal colony, attacked on Monday evening, five Palestinians Palestinians in a their farmlands, near Bethlehem, and kidnapped them.

London, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Thanasis Gavos In a lecture at the London School of Economics on 2nd March the negotiator of the Greek side in the Cyprus settlement talks Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis said that April might present an opportunity for the stalled talks to resume. “I believe that by now we […]

Zagreb, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Marija Avramovic Croatian President Grabar-Kitarovic arrived on Tuesday in Sarajevo for an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, her first such trip abroad since she took the office. At a press conference after the meeting with members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, Grabar Kitarovic emph […]

Bucharest, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Daniel Stroe The Romanian Orthodox Church has launched a nationwide campaign to encourage parents to enlist children for religious classes following a decision passed last year by the Constitutional Court which says the matter is now optional and parents have the final say on whether their […]

Sarajevo, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Mladen Dragojlovic Newly elected Croatian president, Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic, chose to visit BiH as the first foreign destination in her mandate and held several meetings with BiH officials in Sarajevo. Chairman of BiH Presidency, Mladen Ivanic, welcomed her with state honor in the front of Presiden […]

Podgorica, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Adnan Prekic Bosnia and Herzegovina could be faced with a disruption of assistance from the United States if it does not put an end to the border dispute with Montenegro. US Senator Mike Turner requested from the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to put an end […]

Tirana, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency A group of residents threaten that they will jump off a nine storey residential building in the capital. This was registered today in the “Misto Mame” area where around 20 people threaten that they will jump off, due to the problems with the construction company of the […]

Skopje, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Naser Pajaziti PM Nikola Gruevski declared today that he doesn’t need to comment the wiretapping materials published by the opposition leader, Zoran Zaev. “Zaev must not be commented that much. A month ago, his people used to say that Zaev and former head of Secret Services, […]

Skopje, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Naser Pajaziti Macedonian opposition party LSDM (Macedonian Social Democratic Union) has filed another charge against PM Nikola Gruevski and his collaborators. The charges have been filed against the head of Secret Services, Saso Mijalkov, Interior minister, Gordana Jankulovska, Telecommunication and T […]

Pristina, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Elton Tota Belgium is worried over the large number of Kosovo nationals who are seeking economic asylum in this country. Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration in Belgium, Theo Francken said today, during a meeting with the Interior minister of Kosovo, Skender Hyseni that Kosovo […]

Pristina, March 3, 2015/ Independent Balkan News Agency By Elton Tota Speaker of parliament of Kosovo, Kadri Veseli has met today with representatives of economic, national and international institutions. According to him, it’s very important for legislation to stimulate business and not to serve as an obstacle. Veseli said that the scope of the meeting […] […]

SYDNEY, Mar. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- Navman Wireless and Teletrac Inc., two of the leaders in the GPS fleet and asset tracking space, have merged to create one of the world's largest global telematics organisations. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150303/179310LOGO ...

LAKE MARY, Fla., Mar. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FARO) announces the opening of its new state of the art manufacturing and technology center at 290 National Road, Exton, Pennsylvania. The newly constructed 90,000 square foot facility was designed to support F...

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Mar. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- The following statement is being issued by GCG regarding the proposed RMBS Settlement.Dated: January 30, 2015NOTICE REGARDING COMMENCEMENT OF A JUDICIAL INSTRUCTION PROCEEDING IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT D...

HAMBURG, Germany, Mar. 3 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- - German upstream company turns into platform for growth- Cross reference: Picture is available at epa european pressphoto agency (http://www.epa.eu) and http://www.presseportal.de/pm/116249After the acquisition by LetterOne, t...

BEIJING, Mar.3, 2015 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- - Successful performances in Toronto and New YorkAs China gains in international stature, the country's most important annual holiday, the Spring Festival (or Lunar New Year), is becoming an increasingly celebrated event in the West, where inv...

PARIS, Mar. 3 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- 5 exceptional women honored for their ground-breaking discoveries in the physical sciencesAs the International Year of Light celebrates science and knowledge all over the world, the L'Oreal Foundation and UNESCO...

READING, England, Mar. 3 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- - Acision Smart Messaging App and Collect Insights Data Analytics Solution - Spotlighted live for the first time at Mobile World CongressAcision, a global leader in secure, mobile messaging services, today announced that following the ...

TOKYO, Mar. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- LINE partners with CyberSource to enable full range of world-class payment and fraud management services for its mobile payment service LINE Pay globallyCyberSource, a Visa Inc. company (NYSE: V), and one of the world's largest providers of ...

China has heightened security measures and intensified control in Tibetans regions of Golok County and Rebkong County, two counties where self immolation protests have taken place in the past, ahead of the T

The Prime Minister of the Tibetan government in exile (officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration) has said that religious harmony not just within the Tibetan Buddhism but also with other religions an

The International Campaign for Tibet has urged China to release all Tibetan prisoners who have been detained for religious beliefs or practices, or peaceful expression of views in a report it published on

A Tibetan from Derge in Kardze has been released before the completion of prison sentence on Feb. 23, apparently for his good behavior while in prison. While the police were on hunt for the three, the Chinese authorities imposed penalty of 20,000 Yuan each on the family me

In what could bring some relief to the Tibetan families accused of encroachment of forest land the Himachal Pradesh government, which is against regularization of the encroached land, has decided not to evict the occup

The Central Tibetan Administration has announced the appointment of Tsewang Phuntso, the current Liaison officer for Latin America, as the first Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to South Ame

The US government, for the first time ever, celebrated the Tibetan New Year 2142 by hosting an official reception which was attended by Tibetan Americans, diplomats, State Department officials and other digni

A pioneer Tibet research centre based here has published a book – a collection of academic papers, articles on various aspects of Tibet by Tibetologists all over the world – dedicated to a noted American Tibet

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A new documentary based on the fatal gang rape of a woman in New Delhi in 2012 highlights gender inequality and sex crimes in India, with the seeming lack of remorse among those convicted of the crime shocking even the film's director.

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Ola, India's largest online taxi business, will more than double its reach by expanding into 200 cities after this week's acquisition of rival TaxiForSure handed it control of more than 80 percent of the country's organised cab market.

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI (Reuters) - London's landmark Grosvenor House hotel has been put up for sale after its owner, part of troubled Indian conglomerate Sahara which has been trying to raise funds for its jailed boss Subrata Roy, was placed into administration by creditors.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India will not scale down its multi-billion dollar food welfare programme that promises ultra-cheap rice and wheat to most of its people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told lawmakers in parliament on Tuesday.

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - India's top diplomat pledged to improve relations with Pakistan on Tuesday after the first meeting with his counterpart since India called off talks aimed at easing the rivals' many disputes last year.

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's Islamist sect Boko Haram released a video purporting to show it beheading two men, its first online posting using advanced graphics and editing techniques reminiscent of footage from Islamic State.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has widened an investigation into leaks of confidential documents from its oil ministry to include the defence ministry, raising fears that other secrets vital to national security may have fallen into the wrong hands.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's main public health programmes, aimed at millions of rural poor, have been in disarray for months because the government changed the way that over $1.3 billion in funds were distributed, according to data and letters seen by Reuters.

(Reuters) - Bill Gates stands atop Forbes magazine's annual list of the world's richest people, as Facebook Inc's Mark Zuckerberg joined the top 20 and basketball star Michael Jordan ploughed new air by making the list for the first time.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iran must commit to a verifiable freeze of at least 10 years on sensitive nuclear activity for a landmark atomic deal to be reached, but the odds are still against sealing a final agreement, U.S. President Barack Obama told Reuters on Monday.

MADRID/ATHENS (Reuters) - Euro zone countries are discussing a third bailout for Greece worth 30 billion to 50 billion euros, Spain's economy minister said on Monday, but EU officials said there were no such talks.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iran must commit to a verifiable freeze of at least 10 years on sensitive nuclear activity for a landmark atomic deal to be reached, but the odds are still against sealing a final agreement, U.S. President Barack Obama told Reuters on Monday.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - India's economy needs to reach an annual growth rate of 9 percent to 10 percent and then sustain that activity "many, many more years than 10 years" in order to improve infrastructure and bring down rampant poverty, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu clashed over Iran nuclear diplomacy on Monday on the eve of the Israeli prime minister’s hotly disputed address to Congress, underscoring the severity of U.S.-Israeli strains over the issue.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's main public health programmes, aimed at millions of rural poor, have been in disarray for months because the government changed the way that over $1.3 billion in federal funds were distributed, according to data and letters seen by Reuters.

(Reuters) - Bill Gates stands atop Forbes magazine's annual list of the world's richest people, as Facebook Inc's Mark Zuckerberg joined the top 20 and basketball star Michael Jordan ploughed new air by making the list for the first time.

Norway for sanctions against South Sudan OSLO, Norway, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Norway is co-sponsor of the resolution unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council today to impose sanctions on individuals in South Sudan. ‘After nearly 15 months of hostilities, it is a tragedy for the people of South Sudan […]

German Government calls on Malian parties to sign peace agreement BERLIN, Germany, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — A Federal Foreign Office spokesperson issued the following statement in Berlin today (3 March 2015) in response to the Malian Government and some of the armed groups signing a peace agreement in Algiers on […]

UN and AU envoys call for increased measures to combat sexual violence in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Joint statement by the UN and AU envoys to Somalia Speaking at a high level panel discussion on sexual violence in Somalia the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Nicholas […]

WHO intensifies support to cholera outbreak in Malawi and Mozambique BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The WHO Regional Office for Africa is intensifying country support to prevent cholera from reaching internally displaced person (IDP) camps along the border of Malawi and Mozambique. Since January 2015 […]

2014 sees flydubai achieve increased revenues of USD 1.2 billion up 19.1% and profits of USD 68 million • 14% increase in passenger numbers between 2013 and 2014 in Africa • 100% increase in number of routes in Africa • Schedule increased to 63 flights a week across 12 points in North and East Africa […] […]

The United States Congratulates Lesotho on Peaceful Election WASHINGTON, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC March 2, 2015 The United States congratulates the people of Lesotho for participating peacefully in Lesotho’s snap parliamentary election on February 28. The U.S. Embassy […]

Secretary Kerry on South Sudan Negotiations WASHINGTON, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC March 2, 2015 The warring parties in South Sudan must seize the current and final round of negotiations to deliver a sustainable peace. We are well past the point […]

U.S. and Djibouti Launch Binational Forum of Cooperation WASHINGTON, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 2, 2015 On February 25 and 26, in Washington, DC, senior officials of the United States and the Republic of Djibouti Governments met to launch the inaugural […]

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Parliamentary Elections in Lesotho NEW YORK, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Secretary-General congratulates the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho on the peaceful conduct of the parliamentary elections on 28 February. The Secretary-General commends the work of […]

APO to Provide Africa-Related News Releases to Millions of Students and Researchers Around the World APO Announces an Alliance with NewsBank, one of the world’s premier information providers DAKAR, Senegal, March 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ – APO (African Press Organization) (http://www.apo-opa.com), the sole press release newswire in Africa an […]

Today, Somalias farmland similar to its neighbouring countries is in danger of falling into the hands of transnational companies often in partnership with governments sometimes supported by the local elites

In this episode of The Scoop, Salim Amin chats to Jeremy Gilley, Founder of Peace One Day, a charity campaigning for a global day of ceasefire and non-violence, and British actor Jude Law. Law began acting with the National Youth Music Theatre in 1987, and had his first television role in 1989. After starring in films […] The post THE SCOOP with Salim Amin: […]

Financial institutions have a critical role to play to drive African growth. Africa’s leading financial institutions will be recognised for their achievements and the impact they’re having on the continent. The most prestigious event in Africa’s banking and finance sector will take place during the annual African Development Bank meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’ […]

“African ministers of finance and some key actors from the capital market authorities will meet in Washington during World Bank meetings to discuss developments and opportunities in Africa’s Capital Markets.” The 5th Africa Debt and Capital Markets (ADCM) Summit will take place for the first time in Washington D.C. during the IMF and World Bank […] The post […]

In a bid to deepen its reach and authority, Al Jazeera which is one of the leading global media outlets has partnered with African Media Agency (AMA) to leverage on technology and heightened internet growth in Africa introducing news feed to leading online news websites. The partnership will see news portals from Africa publish Al […] The post African Media […]

Vérone Mankou, the entrepreneur behind the first tablet made in Africa, announces the opening of its first VMK store in Abidjan VMK plans to expand its store locations to five countries in the region by the end of the year VMK, a company founded by Vérone Mankou, the Congolese entrepreneur behind the first tablet made in […] The post First VMK Store Opens in […]

All things being equal – great accommodations, game-rife bush, personable companions – a great safari guide is the defining difference in the enjoyment, even exhilaration, and certainly memorability of an African safari. One of the continent’s wilder areas is Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, 3500 square miles of grassland and bush alongside a looping ri […]

Senegal’s Ministry of Education partners with Samsung to launch innovative mobile education solution The Senegal Ministry of Education and Samsung Electronics Africa today announced the launch of a mobile education solution aimed at creating positive change and providing an advanced and interactive classroom experience for learners. Installed at the Plan Jax […]

Africa.com Mobile Websites are the Easy and Affordable Way to Get Your Business Online in Africa Africa.com is proud to announce the addition of mobile websites to its collection of online tools and services. “This is a new category of service that will transform website access across Africa. The mobile websites provide a great mobile […] The post Mobile Web […]

WomenWerk announces the 2015 WomenWerk Forum and Gala in honor of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Saturday, March 7th in New York City. The 2015 theme is “Decoding Expectations” and will explore the societal expectations women navigate in the public and private space. WomenWerk’s annual Forum and Gala is a two-part annual celebration for women of all bac […]

New York, March 3, 2015 (SSNA) -- The United Nations Security Council has passed US-proposed sanctions against South Sudan on Tuesday, paving the way for the international body to impose punitive measures against the young nation if the ongoing peace talks in Ethiopia failed. The UNSC's action comes as the future of peace negotiations between South Suda […]

February 28, 2015 (SSNA) -- The creation of three counties caught Mabaan people in surprise when they are busy following the genocidal regime that denies their existence in South sudan. One cannot be shy to label Mabaan politicians as lost leaders in the middle of political crisis. They mislead Mabaan people to support the regime that deny their right to edu […]

By: Justin Ambago Ramba February 27, 2015 (SSNA) -- Following the conspicuous absence of President Salva Kiir Mayardit from what is largely supposed to be final round of the IGAD mediated Peace Talks for South Sudan, many observers begun to doubt the sincerity of the Juba administration to realise an inclusive just peace in a country ravaged by a civil war o […]

Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Liu Jieyi on Friday questioned reasons behind the US proposed sanctions against South Sudan, arguing that it is in the best interest of the UN Security Council to support the ongoing peace talks. Lieyi appeared to have not been convinced by the language of the anticipated sanctions and wondered if imposing penalties w […]

New York, February 27, 2015 (SSNA) -- A finding of the United Nations (UN) investigation into the downing of its aircraft in South Sudan has been released. However, the report failed to identify the people behind the attack. A seven members UN team tasked to establish a fact of what went wrong and who is responsible for the shooting down of a Russian-owned U […]

Addis Ababa, February 26, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudan’s Rebel leader, Dr. Riek Machar, has on Thursday called on President Salva Kiir to come to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to take part in the ongoing final peace negotiations. The call comes a week after Kiir suddenly refused to attend what the IGAD called final round of peace talks. In a press statem […]

By: Thabor Ding No Justice, No Peace and Know Justice, Know Peace February 24, 2015 (SSNA) -- Who will trust who in the Transitional Government of National Unity with Salva Kirr still in power? IGAD, which is no longer a credible body to negotiate peace with anymore, perpetuating to en […]

By Pel K. Chol February 23, 2015 (SSNA) -- Some of the worst atrocities which prompted the world leaders to go after the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have no different to the atrocities Salva Kiir’s regime is committing today in South Sudan. Joseph Kony, the leader of LRA has been a wanted man for the last eight years by the Uganda government as well as the […]

New York, February 24, 2015 (SSNA) -- The United States is circulating a draft United Nations Security Council resolution aims to put pressure on South Sudan’s warring factions, including individuals who stand in the way of achieviing peace in the volatile young nation. The warning comes as the future of peace talks of the violence-wracked country looks unce […]

Juba, February 24, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudan’s Children who were kidnapped last week by unknown gunmen have been found in a military training site in South Sudan, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) said. UNICEF, which has strongly condemned the abduction, disclosed that eye witnesses have come forward and revealed the location of a military camp wher […]

Addis Ababa, February 23, 2015 (SSNA) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has warned South Sudan's rival factions that a peaceful solution to the ongoing civil war in South Sudan must be reached, or else the regional bloc, IGAD, with the international community will take action to bring peace to the violence-wracked young nation. To […]

By Deng Vanang February 23, 2015 (SSNA) -- Undoubtedly, he was a rising star in the East African sub-region’s recently established fastest growing armed movement, the SPLM/A- In -Opposition. With full energy and relatively younger age on his side, supplemented with proportional height and good looks to match except the ever unpredictable good luck slipping t […]

By: Dr. Lam Akol February 23, 2015 (SSNA) -- Last Thursday, the government tabled before parliament an amendment bill in order to amend the Constitution for the Government to extend its life for two more years. In a democratic setup, is a government allowed to extend its own term of office? Before answering this question, let us consider our system and compa […]

Addis Ababa/Pagak, February 21, 2015 (SSNA) -- An intense consultation between rebel political and military leaders about a possible replacement of the Former Spokesman for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO), Brig. General Lul Ruai Koang, has been ongoing since late Thursday, the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) has learned. General Lul […]

By: John Chuol Bol February 20, 2015 (SSNA) -- My patriot citizens, I am calling all of you to stand firm and never be checked by Cde Brig Gen. Lul Ruai Koang’s defection during our struggle. Cde Lul has earned our respects since the massacre of Nuer in Juba in 2013. He has been the voice of our Nuer Martyrs across the world, and he has the public gratitude […]

Press release Addis Ababa, February 20, 2015 (SSNA) -- The leadership of Greater Fangak Community in Ethiopia condemns the deserted Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai in the strongest term word possible. Gen. Lul claims call upon their neighbors to support his fake movement that lack vision and mission for his personal enrich. Still, the innocence ordinary Nuer who were ma […]

By Pel K. Chol February 20, 2015 (SSNA) -- Democratic sympathisers attracted to General Lul Ruai Kong on facebook and other media networks were caught by surprise hearing the defection of the man whom they thought understood the nature of his job very well more than anyone else in the rebel movement. General Lul has been bringing credible news not only to th […]

By Kuir ë Garang Charity begins at home and the originator of that charity most likely ends at home. February 20, 2015 (SSNA) -- I was advised by some colleagues several times to join a certain policy forum. I refused three times citing the fact that the forum is too 'elitist' and most of the times the elites are out of touch with the average folks […]

Press Release Date 20th February 2015 Sub: Lou Nuer Community Association of Australia Condemn the Defection of Brig. General Lul Ruai Koang, the former spokesperson of SPLM/SPLA- IO Australia, February 20, 2015 (SSNA) -- The Lou Nuer Community Association Of Australia Inc. hereafter condemn in the strongest term possible and denounce the defection of Brigad […]

By Elhag Paul February 20, 2015 (SSNA) -- At the beginning of this month a phenomenal declaration was made by the South Sudan Catholic Bishops which under normal circumstance should have caused political tremors. However, surprisingly this extremely important event passed on without South Sudanese noting its importance as one of the most potent weapons to en […]

At the annual American-Israel Public Affairs Committee conference, speakers advanced Iran as an existential threat and sought to downplay differences between Israel and the US while demonstrators were arrested outside

Political activist Ralph Nader says Walmart's decision to increase minimum wage to $10 by 2016 is a mini-victory for the labor movement but until a 40-hour work week is mandatory, workers will continue to be underpaid

On the 50th anniversary of the Moynihan Report (The Negro Family: The Case For National Action), john a. powell of the Haas Institute discusses the economic and political struggles faced by black communities today

30 UN Agencies and International NGO's released a letter condemning the lack of reconstruction and development in Gaza after the war last summer. The pledges made in Cairo have not been received and there appears to be a tragic perpetual holding pattern when it comes to Gaza, says Pernille Ironside, Chief of Gaza Field Office, UNICEF

Community Broadband Networks' Christopher Mitchell says how mobilization campaigns pushed the FCC to classify the Internet as a public utility, but more effort is needed to reform providers' monopoly control

Siteri Sauvakacolo SUVA (The Fiji Times/Pacific Media Watch): About 1000 signatures supporting West Papuan self-determination have been collected by the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA). This is in solidarity with the West Papua people who have applied to officially join the Melanesian Spearhead Group. ECREA director Sirino Rak […]

Julie Marks NOUMEA (Secretariat of the Pacific Community/Pacific Media Watch): The future management of one of the world’s most significant fisheries which spans more than 30 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean will be under review at back-to-back forums over the next week at the headquarters of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in No […]

Nani Afrida JAKARTA (Pacific Scoop/Pacific Media Watch): The Indonesian Military (TNI) has warned its personnel against using social media, as it says doing so may compromise national security. On Friday, the Indonesian Air Force issued a letter reminding personnel active on social media of the dangers of using such platforms. The order stipulates that Air F […]

Nemani Delaibatiki SUVA (Fiji Sun/Pacific Media Watch): Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) chairman Ashwin Raj has been given until next Monday to retract and apologise to the Fiji Sun for a purported decision against the newspaper. Fiji Sun lawyer Suruj Sharma, of Patel Sharma, wrote to MIDA last week pointing out Mr Raj had no authority or grounds […]

Bob Howarth DILI (Pacific Media Watch): COMMENTARY: Timor-Leste’s media scene has blossomed and grown successfully in 15 years. I have watched it grow and was lucky enough to be there on February 29, 2000, when the Timor Post printed its first edition… without a printing press. read more

PORT MORESBY (PNG Today/Radio Australia/Pacific Media Watch): Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has arrived in Papua New Guinea at the start of a three-country tour through the Pacific, saying the aim of the trip is to strengthen relations with PNG, Solomon Islands and Fiji. read more

BANGKOK (Pacific Scoop/Deutsche Welle/Pacific Media Watch): World leaders must act urgently to confront the changing nature of conflict and protect civilians from horrific violence by states and armed groups, urged Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. The paper provides an overview of human rights in 16 […]

Kristian Lasslett MELBOURNE (Arena Magazine/Pacific Media Watch): COMMENTARY: Mr Pip, a recent film set during the 1990s Bougainville war, deals with the disorienting impact of sudden trauma and the struggle survivors endure to break the subsequent bondage of grief. This searching narrative is channelled through the character of Mr Watts, a British expatria […]

AUCKLAND (Radio New Zealand/Scoop Media/Pacific Media Watch): Radio New Zealand's Mediawatch has featured independent news group Scoop Media and its campaign for crowd funding and a relaunch of public media in the country. read more

SUVA (Radio NZ International/Fiji Sun/Pacific Media Watch): The furore over a contested Media Industry Development Authority “ruling” against the Fiji Sun over two newspaper articles may lead to changes, according to the national journalists’ advocacy body. Ricardo Morris, chair of the Fiji Media Association (FMA), has told Radio New Zealand International th […]

Pacific press freedom ... maybe not as bloody as elsewhere in the world, but vigilance still needed. Image: AFP/RSF IT’S GREAT to get some bouquets on media freedom issues instead of brickbacks in the Pacific for a change. But let’s not get carried away. Instead of all the backslapping, what is needed is more vigilance because really it is all about more tha […]

Profile (in French) on La Rochelle captain Uino Atonio. Source: Pierre Ammiche FORMER Samoan and New Zealand prop Uini Atonio - the man they call the "Rochelais monster" - looks set for his Six Nations debut, making the 23-man French squad for this Saturday's assignment in Paris which his coach predicts will be an emotional moment in the wake […]

A story, “Locked Up Warriors”, about the New Zealand jail culture on Al Jazeera’s East 101 series. See Tom Carnegie's story below on New Zealand journalists working at Al Jazeera. Image: Al Jazeera – Watch video. SCOOP has been hosting a lively series entitled The State of NZ News Media that is providing some rare insights into an industry under siege […]

What Voltaire might have said to Charlie Hebdo - and the answer below. Cartoon: Ironman 'We are all trying to find the narrow path – defending the French Republic against the twin threats of fundamentalism and fascism (and fundamentalism is a form of fascism). But I still believe that the best way to do this is to fight for our Republican ideals - secul […]

A profile on the role of satire in France a la Charlie Hebdo via Vox.By Richard Fidler at Canada's Life on the Left MILLIONS of people took to the streets in France and elsewhere in Europe and North America to protest the brutal murderous attacks by Islamist extremists on the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo and a Kosher supermarket in Paris. At Ch […]

Charlie Hebdo, Before the Massacre from The New York Times on Vimeo. NINE years ago two Paris-based filmmakers, Jerôme Lambert and Philippe Picard, who have directed many documentaries for French public television, made a controversial documentary, Cabu: Politiquement Incorrect (Cabu: Politically Incorrect), about one of Charlie Hebdo's most famous cart […]

CAFÉ PACIFIC has been prompted with this column about Plantu and an interview he did last year before this week’s barbaric attack on the satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo leaving 12 cartoonists, media people and a couple of policemen dead. And that's without adding the latest double siege casualties). Queries in response to an earlier blog posting […]

Charlie Hebdo getaway video from Trung Tâm VBig. THE PARIS-based media freedom organisation Reporters Sans Frontières has called on global media editors to publish Charlie Hebdo’s political and religious cartoons as a response to the shocking “black Wednesday” attack on the weekly satirical magazine. Renowned internationally for its scathing and hilarious […]

Timoci Matanavou scores his fourth try in a Top 14 match against Lyon Olympique. Video: Stade Toulousain By Shayal Devi in Toulouse, France Many people often believe that when it comes to rugby, no one can hold a candle to the zealousness of Fijian fans. And while this is evidently true in the way that Fijians follow the game, people in other parts of the wo […]

ASYLUM SEEKERS in the Pacific, media freedom issues, post-elections Fiji, climate change, the climate of impunity in the Philippines and investigative documentaries in Timor-Leste, Australia and New Zealand were among the wide-ranging topics featured at a three-day political journalism in the Asia-Pacific conference last month. The conference marked 20 years […]

Raging fires around Athens, a still from the devastating Alister Barry climate change film Hot Air by photographer Nikos Pilos. IN THE wrap-up session of the Pacific Journalism Review 20th anniversary conference at the weekend, independent film maker Alister Barry was beaming. "I've never had such a tremendous reception for the film," he admit […]

A grim reminder of the Maguindanao, or Ampatuan, massacre on 23 November 2009. Photo: DanRogayan A TOP Filipino investigative journalist will be speaking about the “worst attack” on journalists in history and her country’s culture of impunity in a keynote address at a media education conference at AUT University next week. Ces Oreña-Drilon, an anchor for the […]

The French “arrow” challenge to the All Blacks’ haka in the 2011 World Cup final – France lost narrowly 8-7. By Brendan Bradford on Sportal OPINION: The chief sportswriter for Britain’s Daily Telegraph, Oliver Brown, claims the haka is “scarcely more than a circus display” and that is “hidebound by political correctness”. In a column for the Telegraph online […]

Publisher of Repúblika Media Limited Ricardo Morris (second from left) with University of the South Pacific journalism award recipients. Image: USP This is the keynote message from Repúblika publisher Ricardo Morris at the University of the South Pacific/Wansolwara journalism awards 2014. JOURNALISM is an act of faith in the future. That’s what the American […]

The headline on The Australian media editor Sharri Markson's 'undercover' beat-up about journalism schools that sparked off the latest attacks on journalism educators. By Professor Mark Pearson OPINION: FIRST they came for journalism educator Julie Posetti, for simply tweeting some critical comments made publicly by a former staffer of The Aus […]

Racing Métro winger Teddy Thomas ... one of the young stars lighting up French rugby. Photo: Racing Métro TIME for a break from media and politics with a treatise on Gallic rugby, especially after a diet of gloom and doom results and stories since France almost won the World Cup in New Zealand in 2011. As François Valentin writes, if the Top 14 competition i […]

Outraged family of innocent man splashed as a 'terrorist teenager' in Fairfax media threatens to sue. The reckless and inflammatory reporting on terrorism and national security in Australia makes ABC columnist Jonathan Green wonder whether we'd be better off without a media apparatus that can sink so low. OPINION: HAVE we reached a tipping poi […]

An update on Ces Oreña-Drilon and the Maguindanao massacre investigation. Her justice corruption allegations have led to a National Bureau of Investigation inquiry. Video: GMA News PACIFIC JOURNALISM REVIEW, the only politics and media research journal in New Zealand and the Pacific, will host an international conference late next month marking its 20th anni […]

The warring parties in South Sudan must seize the current and final round of negotiations to deliver a sustainable peace. We are well past the point where enough is enough. Leaders must put the interests of their people above their own. The violence must ...

On February 25 and 26, in Washington, DC, senior officials of the United States and the Republic of Djibouti Governments met to launch the inaugural U.S.-Djibouti Binational Forum, a key outcome of the historic May 5, 2014, White House meeting between U.S. ...

A report released today by a large team of academics and non-government health organisations reveals that the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) poses risks to the health of Australians in areas such as provision of affordable medicines, tobacco and alcohol ...

Sofia/Bulgaria - A person claiming to have a contract to develop new pistes in Bansko ski zone in Pirin National Park has made a series of personal telephone threats to opponents of the proposal from the coalition of environmental organizations and civil ...

U.S. Science Envoy Dr. Geraldine Richmond will return to Southeast Asia March 2-14 in support of President Obama’s initiative to strengthen the United States’ science and education relationships overseas. This is Dr. Richmond’s second trip to Southeast ...

Kiev, Ukraine – To better respond to the growing need to record human rights violations in the east of Ukraine, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting a number of civic human rights monitors and investigators to ensure that human rights are ...

GENEVA / KUALA LUMPUR (2 March 2015) – United Nations human rights expert Maria Grazia Giammarinaro urged* the Malaysian Government to improve the prevention of trafficking in persons and the protection of human rights of its victims at the end ...

The Aussies Came, They Saw, They Did Nothing! Commentary by Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson GPS coordinates show the poaching vessel Kunlun inside Australia's EEZ Photo: Sea Shepherd / Jeff WirthThis is an accurate description of yesterday’s interception by the Australian government of the toothfish-poaching vessel Kunlun: They arrived. They s […]

Sea Shepherd Commends Australian Boarding of Poaching Vessel: Now Calls For Arrest Kunlun dangerously crosses the bow of the Sam Simon, after it was intercepted by the Sea Shepherd ship in February. Photo: Sea Shepherd / Jeff WirthSea Shepherd has responded to news that Australian customs have boarded the Interpol-wanted poaching vessel, Kunlun, commending b […]

Sea Shepherd Hands-Over Evidence of Thunder's Illegal Fishing to Authorities in Mauritius Just some of the 72 km of the Thunder's illegal gillnet that was confiscated by the Sam Simon. Photo: Sea Shepherd / Jeff WirthYesterday, the Sea Shepherd ship, Sam Simon, handed-over evidence to authorities at Port Louis, Mauritius, of the illegal fishing act […]

Sea Shepherd Billboard in New York City Spreads Mass Awareness of Taiji’s Dolphin Slaughter A Generous Dolphin Advocate and Sea Shepherd Supporter has Donated the Billboard in Support of Sea Shepherd’s Annual Operation Infinite Patience Campaign in Taiji Sea Shepherd billboard, made possible by supporter Marnie McBryde, goes up in New York City to raise awar […]

More Shark Attacks? We Have Only Ourselves to Blame Commentary by Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson Tiger shark caught off Moses Rock-WA, Dragged out to sea to be dumped like garbage, big loss to ocean ecosystems. Photo: Sea Shepherd / Animal AmnestyShark attacks are on the rise and the reason for this is entirely the fault of humanity. Shark attacks […]

On Eve of Valentine’s Day, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to Hold 32 Peaceful “World Love for Dolphins Day” Demonstrations Against Taiji Dolphin Slaughter Special Guest Speakers and Celebrity Supporters to Join Sea Shepherd at Demonstrations at Japanese Embassies and Consulates in the U.S. and Overseas on Feb. 13th Next Friday, February 13, 2015, Sea Shep […]

The Sam Simon Engages the Poachers Yongding and Kunlun Commentary by Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson Thunder is a CCAMLR black-listed vessel and has been issued with an Interpol Purple Notice. Photo: Sea Shepherd / Simon AgerThe two Equatorial Guinea-flagged poachers, Yongding and Kunlun, that the New Zealand Navy allowed to escape last month have […]

Sea Shepherd to Hold 32 Peaceful Demonstrations Against Taiji Dolphin Slaughter on “World Love for Dolphins Day” Special Guest Speakers and Celebrity Supporters to Join Sea Shepherd at Demonstrations at Japanese Embassies and Consulates in the U.S. and Overseas on Feb. 13th Original art concept by Cassie RandallOn Friday February 13, 2015, Sea Shepherd Conse […]

Sea Shepherd is Free to Return to the Faroe Islands in 2015 Denmark Puts a Lid on Attempts by the Faroese to Implement Authoritarian Measures Commentary by Sea Shepherd founder, Captain Paul Watson Last year, more than 400 Sea Shepherd volunteers traveled to the Faroe Islands File Photo: Sea ShepherdIn an attempt to undermine freedom in their own country, 29 […]

Verdict Issued in Jairo Mora Case: Court Could Not Condemn the Murderers, But We All Know Who They Are Jairo Mora Sandoval Photo taken by Christine Figgener Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia CommonsSea Shepherd Conservation Society deeply regrets the decision of the Criminal Court of Limon, which yesterday acquitted seven men accused of the murder of […]

Sea Shepherd Receives 8.3 Million Euros from the Dutch Postcode Lottery for the Protection of the Southern Ocean At the annual Goed Geld Gala (Good Money Gala) in Amsterdam on January 26th, Sea Shepherd received the biggest donation (8.3 million Euros) in its history. Sea Shepherds submitted Dream Project Stop Illegal Fishing in the Southern Ocean was award […]

Pamela Anderson Proudly Joins Sea Shepherd’s Board of Advisors Pamela Anderson Becomes the Newest Member of Sea Shepherd’s Advisory Board Pamela Anderson Newest Member of Sea Shepherd's Advisory BoardPamela Anderson’s iconic blonde bombshell persona made her a household name, but for as long as she’s been a successful television star, she has also been […]

The “Likes of Sea Shepherd” Succeed Where the Navy Fails Commentary by Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson BUSTED! Capt. Peter Hammarstedt catches toothfish-poaching vessel, Thunder, inside CCAMLR region Photo: Sea Shepherd / Simon AgerI was ready to give the New Zealand Navy the benefit of the doubt. I thought they had the courage to actually take on […]

Waltzing with the Academic Critics of Tasmania Response by Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson Retrieval of a massive gill net left behind by the Thunder File photoOnce again I have to respond to Dr. Julia Jabour of the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and Indi Hodgson-Johnston of the University of Tasmania, who continue to criticize Operatio […]

Sharks Don’t Kill People. People Who Kill Sharks Kill People. Commentary by Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson Sharks are essential for the health and well-being of oceanic eco-systems Photo: Nicolas Vera / Sea ShepherdWhen it comes to causes of death, sharks are on the very bottom of the list as the leading causes. Your chances of dying in a car, bei […]

If I Were CEO of SeaWorld Commentary by Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson A captive dolphin is lifted in a sling File Photo: Sea ShepherdThere is no justification for the enslavement of animals. None. There never has been and there never can be. Slavery is slavery—unjustifiable, cruel, evil and soul-destroying, both for the victims and the oppressors […]

How Much is a Whale’s Life Worth? Commentary by Sea Shepherd Founder, Captain Paul Watson “You have not lived until you have risked your life so that others may live.” ~ Captain Paul Watson Humpbacks off the Gold Coast of Australia File photo: Sea ShepherdIf Sea Shepherd holds the position that a whale’s life is worth risking our own lives, we must also hold […]

In the World Bank’s board that thrives on consensus, the United States took the unusual step of voting against The International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) investment in the 108 MW Gulpur hydropower project on Pakistan’s Poonch River. Calling the methodology to assess the project’s environmental impacts “fundamentally flawed,” the US cited IFC for breaching […]

Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Join International Rivers' staff and board on October 7 in the San Francisco Bay Area for an evening in celebration of our 30th anniversary!2015 is a vibrant and exciting year for International Rivers. Our presence and solidarity efforts around the world are strengthening our organizations and the partners we work with a […]

By: Josh Schott Belly River Valley of Glacier ParkPhoto Credit: Harry LichtmanI grew up in one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the United States – Montana – home to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, 16 wilderness designated areas, and 78 free-flowing rivers. I lived in a small ski resort town called Whitefish nestled in the […]

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 The Board of Directors of International Rivers has appointed veteran staff member Peter Bosshard to serve as Interim Executive Director effective March 1st. Mr. Bosshard will take over from Jason Rainey, who has served as Executive Director since 2011 and announced his departure in January.“We are thrilled that Peter is wil […]

By: Lori Pottinger The Nile Project“Rivers Unite, Dams Divide.” It’s my favorite activist slogan, one I learned from Turkish activists, and it neatly captures why we at International Rivers do the work that we do, and what kind of planet we envision.The Nile Project – a collective devoted to musical and cross-cultural interaction and outreach among the peop […]

By: Ame Trandem Dam affected villagers from the Sesan and Srepok rivers support AlexA few years ago, Alejandro "Alex" Gonzalez-Davidson, a Spanish national living and working in Cambodia for more than a decade, contacted me to request information about the proposed Cheay Areng Dam, a hydropower project located in Southwestern Cambodia on the Cheay […]

By: Margaret Zhou As the heavy doors of Boalt Hall Room 110 swung open, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Memories of sitting through late-night meetings with fellow student organizers, one of us frantically scribbling ideas for our next social-justice-related direct action on the whiteboard while the rest of us spoke over each other; presentations and talks that […]

By: Bharat Lal Seth Some three or four years back I travelled to the Alaknanda River Basin in Uttarakhand. At the time I was working as a journalist and writing a story on the Pinder River, the last free-flowing tributary of the mighty Alaknanda. The story assumed importance as the free flow of the river was imperiled; the state government had drawn up plans […]

By: Jason Rainey On this day in the US, some people celebrate Saint Valentine with gifts of red roses, heart-shaped chocolate and romantic dinners. Whether or not we participate (my rose bush won’t flower for another four months), Valentine’s Day provides an excuse to reflect on a more universal topic: Love.For those of us on the front lines defending the fl […]

Government members from all over Europe are meeting this week for the OSPAR (named after the Oslo and Paris Conventions) Convention's Biodiversity Committee (BDC) in Cork, Ireland. They have an opportunity to move towards providing urgent protection for the Arctic. OSPAR delegates know well how to take progressive and bold measures for environmental pro […]

Scientific research and conservation need more cash. That's sadly usually true. It's especially the case in the Antarctic where research is expensive but absolutely essential given the massive environmental changes happening there.But although new streams of funding should welcomed for Antarctic research, it's also important to question where […]

Extra Extra! Read all about climate denial scientist Willie Soon's dirty money from petrochemical billionaire Charles Koch, coal utility Southern Company, oil giant ExxonMobil and other fossil fuel companies to deny the science of climate change!The last time I bumped into Willie Soon, I asked him if there was any explanation for some of the information […]

The chimpanzee is one of mankind's closest relatives. However there are many of us who do not treat them with what could be called familial affection.Chimps and other primates in Africa face an increasing number of threats to their very existence. They are traded and eaten as bush meat, have their homes destroyed by illegal loggers, are likely to be hig […]

Most people have heard about the Amazon rainforest and how we desperately need to protect it.But there's a lesser-known, massive forest to the north that's under serious threat right now.The global Boreal Forest stretches across the northern hemisphere through North America, Russia, Japan and Scandinavia. The Canadian part of this forest is under t […]

Picture a 33 year-old asphalt road: weathered with time, bearing the cracks and crags of decades of harmless-seeming water trickling into its crevices, freezing, expanding, breaking up the road from within.Most people wouldn’t want to trust their car to the safety of a road like this.And it certainly isn’t the image anyone wants to invoke when talking about […]

Time to share the love, this Valentine's Day, with something a little bit different! Red roses and chocolates are such a cliché – why not turn to the big blue for inspiration instead? Charm your date by declaring you're an #OceanLover, show them you're capable of caring – and taking positive action – about some big things, and if they're […]

The struggle to remain relevant can be a tough one. For the fossil fuel industry, remaining relevant can mean stacks of money and political clout, or, staring into the darkness of very empty pockets.In the face of growing divestment movements, the blossoming of energy independence because of renewable energy and general disgust towards how recklessly the ind […]

It's hard to imagine there are only 500 actors who control the global trade in deforestation but it's true.The Forest 500, a new ranking from Global Canopy Programme, assesses publicly available policies from companies, governments and investors and ranks them according to how they are contributing to deforestation. From governments – who in some c […]

The Kenyan high court has declared that eight sections of the controversial Security Laws Amendment Act (SLAA) are unconstitutional. Two of the sections contain provisions restricting free speech and media freedom.

Although Chinese publisher Tie Liu will not serve jail time unless he violates the terms of his probation, the unwarranted sentence effectively silences him and serves as a warning to others that no criticism of the Party, past or present, will be tolerated.

MEAA condemns an Australian parliamentary committee recommendation to support the passage of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2014 without any provision for the protection of journalists and their sources.

According to unconfirmed reports, Raif Badawi, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Saudi Arabia, may now face a retrial for 'apostasy' which could result in the death penalty if he is convicted.

Tamba Fanday, the station manager for privately-owned Citizen Radio in Koidu Town, Kono District, in eastern Sierra Leone, is currently in hiding for fear of being arrested and detained under a presidential executive order.

British-German surveillance company Gamma has been condemned by a human rights watchdog for its failure to adhere to human rights and due diligence standards that would protect against the abusive use of its products in Bahrain.

Since November 2014, Ansar Allah, a northern armed group, has taken effective control of Sanaa and other areas which sparked protests on January 25 and the days leading up to February 11, the fourth anniversary of the 2011 uprising.

An effigy of Ante Tomic, a reporter for the newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija, was publicly burned on 17 February in the town of Proložac, after a speech in which Tomic, who is from Proložac, was declared responsible for all of Croatian society’s evils.

“You told me once that a soul isn't something a person is born with but something that must be built, by effort and error, study and love. And you did that with more dedication than most, that work of building a soul-not for your own benefit but for the benefit of those that knew you.” The Art of Fielding - C.Harbach